Local convenience store retailer One Stop, a subsidiary of Tesco, has created an augmented reality (AR) game to provide customers with an interactive experience and the chance to win prizes. The store’s Facebook AR app enables customers to open the ‘Find Eddy the Elf’ app and play the game in-store using their phone’s camera.

The game, which plays on ‘hide and seek’, introduces the titular Eddy the Elf and his family of elves called Eve, Eric, Auntie Elsie, and Baby Elfy, which can all be found in the in-game presents around One Stop’s stores.

It is available via the One Stop Facebook page for customers to play once they are in a One Stop store. Presents appear in real-time on the customers’ phone screens, as if they are floating around the store. Customers lick on these presents to reveal an Elf and they could win prizes ranging from a Malteser chocolate reindeer or a box of Matchmakers Orange to entry to One Stop’s weekly £1000 prize draw or an all-inclusive holiday to Lapland for four people.

On top of the chance to win prizes, customers playing the game can also win special promotions and deals from brands including Thorntons, Mars, Foxes, Nestlé, Tango, Coca-Cola, and Walkers, and will be treated to special Christmas offers.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be bringing Eddy the Elf and his family into store and helping to spread a little Christmas cheer, whilst making shopping a little more fun and rewarding. We’ve produced an augmented reality game within Facebook which plays on the fun of Christmas but also the ‘giving’ message of the festive period,” said Nigel Prendergast, head of marketing at One Stop.

“Customers have the chance to win an all-inclusive trip to Lapland for 4 people, £1000’s of cash prizes and thousands of other goodies, plus we’re giving our shoppers fabulous offers and promotions, enabling customers to save this Christmas. We’re also very excited to be linking up our Christmas activity with one of our national Charity Partners Alzheimer’s Society, more exciting details will follow.”